A realization of diesel engines for speed-oriented vehicles has existed for many decades. Only recently Volkswagen and Audi have been making headlines in popularizing car-based diesel engine power across the globe as a funcational as well as fashionable driving experience. Their TDI engine technology has opened the eyes of the automotive world to seeing a form of propulsion, often related to work vehicle applications in North America, excel in the standard disciplines of sports car performance. Since 2006, Audi’s Le Mans prototype race cars have burned diesel and later bio-diesel fuels on route to motorsport greatness. In diesel-happy Europe, Audi introduced the SQ5 crossover as the first TDI powered sport-bred vehicle to be sold to the public. While VW Group has been able to make use of their vast resources to win on the race track as well as in the showroom, the idea of harnessing the high torque properties of diesel engines for supercar applications.

At London’s Salon Privé 2012, the Trident Iceni Grand Tourer sports car is currently one of the more extreme examples where diesel fuel can achieve top plateau for high performance driving. The concept born in 2002, the Trident Iceni came to my attention in 2007 when I was writing a list for Askmen.com. The sleek-looking, diesel-powered supercar was a boastful creature on wheels promising to combine an outstanding driving experience with unbelievable fuel economy.

In the new Grand Tourer model that now meets the stringent Euro 6 emission standards set for 2014, the Trident Iceni is more powerful than the previous incarnations of the supercar. Tweaking the General Motors-derived 6.6 liter V-8 turbocharged diesel powerplant, the Trident Iceni Grand Tourer delivers 430 horsepower alongside a monstrous 950 pounds feet of torque. For added grunt, the Iceni Grand Tourer can be modified to produce 660 horsepower with 1050 pounds feet of torque. Such is the case in most diesel-powered vehicles, the Trident Iceni Grand Tourer use of torque is valuable for launching to speed. Taking just 3.7 seconds to cruise from 0 to 60 mile-per hour, the Trident Grand Tourer can achieve a maximum of almost 200 miles per hour.

A contradiction to the supercar ideals many great vehicles would even openly admit without apology, the Trident Iceni performance grace is charmed by a frugal use of fuel that would see the car even earn respect from proud Tesla Roadster owners. The carmaker claims if the Trident Iceni Grand Tourer is driven at a constant 70 miles per hour, the supercar would achieve 68 miles per gallon (according to UK calculations). On a full tank of diesel fuel, the Iceni Grand Tourer can carry a driver and passenger up to 2,000 miles with just the sheer ‘wind-in-your-air’ sensation. The Trident Iceni Grand Tourer 6.6 liter engine is flexible to run on regular diesel, bio-diesel, palm oil and linseed oil as a fuel source.

Built on a stainless steel chassis, the Trident Iceni Grand Tourer has been designed to be a rigid and durable high performance machine. The Iceni Grand Tourer shape is produced through unstressed composite materials. Functional yet stylish, a roll bar to achieve greater vehicle strength splitting the center portion of the Trident supercar between the driver and passenger. Along with securing occupants, truck space of the Trident Iceni Grand Tourer is considerable enough for up to four golf bags worth of cargo.

The Trident Iceni Grand Tourer will be sold in the United Kingdom for a price around £75,000. Being a small company, it is unsure if the Norfolk-based Trident Vehicles Group Limited is planning to distribute it beyond its select European customer base.

Information and photo source: Trident Vehicles Group Limited, Salon Privé via Newpress UK

Concept cars always amuse an auto show crowds with notions of what the future of motoring has in store. With most automakers recovering from their pre-recession belt tightening, the auto show is once again a place where imagination is welcomed to shine. Through my recent pilgrimage to the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow, I caught a glance at the future ideas of auto manufacturers.

While there were no concept cars making global premieres at the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow, this year’s sampling of modern design and engineering was an up-close awakening.

Jaguar C-X16

Loosely derived from the C-X75 concept that commemorated Jaguar‘s 75th anniversary, the C-X16 is a more production-polished design that continues to explore advanced powertrains integration with their sports cars. Instead of employing the radical gasoline/electric turbine powertrain of the C-X75, the Jaguar C-X16 utilizes a conventional supercharged 3-liter V-6 engine in concert with an electric drive system. Jaguar predicts this arrangement can equate to 0 to 62-mile per hour acceleration of 4.4 seconds and a top speed potential of 186 miles per hour. Electric power is available through a steering wheel-mounted boost button providing a shear blast of momentum.

A stunning aluminum-bodied vehicle built with Jaguar’s design DNA, the Neutron White CX-16 projects the classic elegance associated with the British brand. Inside, a Vermillion Red two-seat interior is said to be lay out like an airplane cockpit with toggle and joystick controls easily accessible to the driver. The Jaguar C-X16 also adds carbon fiber and aluminum trim pieces inside for a full race car inspired experience.

Volkswagen Bulli

Several years back, Volkswagen has to admit they lost touch with the virtues that made their brand the first truly successful imported car to North America in the 1960s and 1970s. Attempting to insert themselves within a premium car marketplace close to their own Audi product line-up, Volkswagen fans grew wary of the “VW” badge based on elevated prices and suspect quality. Since the 2009 introduction of the new Golf, Volkswagen has renovated their image further with more affordable Jetta and Passat sedan. Revisiting the Microbus design and premise, Volkswagen gives the new generation of automotive enthusiasts a taste of old school van styling.

The second concept based on the original Microbus in a decade, the Volkswagen Bulli premiered last year as a unique compact vehicle study. Only 3.99 meters (157.09 inches) in total length, the use of Volkswagen’s historical van silhouette assures a specious interior. Fitted with an experimental electric powerplant, the Bulli displays flexibility of accommodating a vast arrangement of other efficient powertrains.

It’s entirely questionable what the future of the Bulli has in store. President and CEO of Volkswagen Canada John White’s words on the Bulli concept stated “…its future looks bright indeed.” Will the concept vehicle become the direction for a new production car or become a recollection rarely recalled in the future (similar to the flower power generation’s acknowledgement of themselves in the 1960s).

Kia GT

First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show by Kia, the four-door, rear-wheel drive GT concept vehicle represents a forward look into the South Korea automaker’s future designs and technologies.

A 396-horsepower sport sedan, the Kia GT concept mirrors the styling stance designers of the Audi A7 and the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class took in creating a four-door coupe-type appearance. Based on a long 112.6-inch, the GT concept’s exterior lines elegantly roll along the triangular headlamps and flow overtop of a sports car racing roof. The wide wheelbase also assists in passenger room inside of a four-seat cabin accessed through front and rear hinged doors. According to the manufacturer’s press conference at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show, the Kia GT Concept is wrapped in sheetmetal also draws inspiration from the European sports cars of the late 1960s and 1970s.

Always tough to gauge how seriously a car brand accepts its design studies, recently received renderings indicate that Kia is indeed focused on directing the GT concept on to a production line. Sketches of a rear-wheel drive Kia sedan even bare a striking resemblance to the GT concept car.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

Taking three years to reach the Canadian Auto Show circuit since its debut at the 2009 Chicago exhibition, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept is still a cutting-edge design. A show car built to respect Corvette’s past, the Stingray Concept explores some drastic touches that may astonish current fans of the American sports car in either a positive or a negative way.

Strong hints of the 1963 to 1967 version of the Chevrolet Corvette is detailed through the bulging fender and by the split rear window of the Stingray Concept but the vehicle remains ultra-modern in overall design. Much like other exotic supercars that insist on greeting motorists with flamboyance, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept incorporates scissor-opening doors. Featuring a high-tech interior compartment for two occupants, the powertrain is also quite evolved said to be a high-power gasoline/electric hybrid setup.

With a new Chevrolet Corvette on the way, the popularity of the Corvette Stingray Concept will be realized by the adoption of styling cues. From analysis of pre-debut renderings for the C7 Corvette, the Stingray Concept appears to have been a worthwhile endeavour.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

Sports cars are known to invoke some of the purest sensations of human and driving machine working in unison. Making its North American debut at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive roadster show car demonstrates how the German auto company pictures the near spiritual interaction of unlikely pairing in a 21st century connected world. A sparkling spectacle of German motoring design, the 20-inch wheels and fiber optics of the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive draws attention to a new theory of how a vehicle can interact with people as well as environment.

A concept vehicle created for furnishing occupants with a highly sensual driving experience, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive promotes a heavily intuitive electronic connection to the world. For the driver, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive avails an advanced heads-up display that can be programmed with a rich assortment of driving data. An augmented reality view is available to the motorist projecting 3-dimensional icons of the road ahead. A Passenger Information Display on the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive provides extensive information access for everything from navigation to music. The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept roadster’s further interacts with surroundings thanks to a cloud computing supported Emotion Browser that finds and relays relevant information on locations and destinations.

Acura NSX

Poor Acura! Entering North America as the first Japanese luxury car badge, the Honda-owned has been struggling to find an ace in the hole against Lexus and Infiniti in recent years. A premium car division looking for an image, Acura chose to revive their most beloved nameplate at the 2012 North American International Auto Show as a show car on the verge of production. Seven years since the last Acura NSX supercar pleased the exotic car enthusiasts as Japanese engineering taken to the limits of performance, the 2012 concept car rekindles the excitement of the revered original.

A charming silver supercar shape, the Acura NSX concept was near show stopping at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. A low, aerodynamic figure, the 2012 concept car version of the Acura NSX conceals Super Handling all-Wheel Drive, dual-clutch transmission and a hybrid powertrain combining a direct-injected six-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The 400-horsepower Acura NSX premiere on the auto show circuit has been a run away success for the Honda-derived product. Acura will be hoping that the NSX supercar’s enthusiasm and gawks at the Toronto auto exhibit will translate into sales demand.

Information source: American Honda Motor Company, BMW AG, General Motors, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kia Motors America, Volkswagen AG
Photo and video source: Chris Nagy

It’s wintertime! A season that brings extreme cold temperatures and the presence of snowflakes, this time of year drives many creatures to insulated environments. For car lovers thirsting for the nectar of the freshest flowers set to blossom for the 2012 vehicle year and beyond, winter is also known as the indoor auto show season. Started in the more temperate climate of Los Angeles, recent indoor auto shows in Detroit and Chicago were staged as a sanctuary to the automobile-addicted crowds. In the Great White North known as Canada, the midday point of winter has crowds seeking a cure to the blahs of the season. The 2012 Canadian International Autoshow at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is the strong medicine needed to reenergize love and vision of mechanical beauty.

For the forth year in a row, I have been greanted coveted media access to this large Canadian exhibition serving as a hotbed for automobiles and ideas. Of course, with such an enviable gift comes the responsibility to communicate the attitude of this major industry to esteemed readers. Despite the fact many new production or concept cars have previously been fixtures at other auto shows around the world, there remained an infectious mood of enthusiasm from media members and most importantly the auto company executives/staff throughout media day.

While auto companies in the 2010 and 2011 exhibitions offered only anecdotal details of better times ahead, the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow has become the chosen destination for past optimism. At the 2012 show, the Detroit Three automakers were back in brilliant form. General Motors delivered an automotive pageantry left unseen for years. Featuring bloated 7-brand line-up in 2009, General Motors’ bankruptcy greatly affected the size of their Canadian International Autoshow present in the following year. Shrinking to about 1/3 the floor space, GM steadily regained its convention center real estate in addition to market share. This year GM presented the Cadillac ATS and XTS sedans as well as the Buick Encore crossover. From the Hot Wheels prepared Camaro, the Chip Foose-prepared Foose Cruze to the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, General Motors hammered a home run with their presentation at the 2012 auto show. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept show car also made a debut at the Canadian International Autoshow a full three years after premiering in Chicago (better late than never).

In the case of Ford Motor Company, the 2013 Ford Fusion line was the headliner of the auto manufacturer’s media show. The full gasoline Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and the Fusion Energi were literally given center stage by Ford as other 2013 model year vehicles including the Escape crossover surrounded. Performance-driven members of the media were definitely captivated by the 2013 Ford Mustangs (a Boss 302 and a GT500 convertible) while the luxury car fans were eagerly awaiting the Lincoln MKZ concept to be uncovered. A profile described as modern and athletic, this concept sedan is perhaps the Ford premium car division’s most important vehicle in a long time.

In the afternoon, Chrysler became the final of the Detroit Three to hold their press conference promoting their 2013 Dodge Dart at the forefront. A standout moment came when Chrysler’s spokesperson gave pricing details for the 2013 Dart. Reacting contrary to much of the industry that continues to mark up the price of the same vehicles sold in the United States, Chrysler promised that the 2013 Dodge Dart selling in Canada will have the exact same base price of $15,995. The announcement was immediately met with an ovation from the largely Canadian press.

Having named only three automakers, almost every marque that arrived for the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow made smashing presentations. BMW brought the 2011 Geneva Motor Show Vision ConnectedDrive Concept to Toronto as some garnish to a display exhibiting the all-new BMW 3 Series and M5 sedan. BMW’s small carmaker MINI also created a stir with the Roll-Royce outfitted MINI Inspired by Goodwood vehicle. Unwilling to be bested by their German rival at any auto show, Mercedes-Benz featured their all-new SL-Class fitted with a twin-turbocharged, 429-horsepower V-8. Magic Sky Control retractable hardtop and the cloud computing framework of mbrace2 infotainment system are features Mercedes-Benz fans will find on the 2013 car.

At Jaguar, sports cars were the centerpiece of the company’s exhibition. A blue XKR-S wears Jaguar’s upgraded suspension system that includes the brand’s Active Differential Control. However, it was a Neutron White concept C-X16 sports coupe that ignited fires of enthusiasm. Demonstrating lightweight all-aluminum bodywork and hybrid powertrain performance, the Jaguar C-X16 is slated to storm from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds.

From sports car excitement to practicality, Audi, Nissan and Subaru brought some machines to the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow tempting the realists. While a premium vehicle, the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad furnishes itself to high-end customers looking for the space of a utility vehicle and the flexibility of all-wheel drive in a car-based wagon. With Nissan, the press conference focused around a vehicle designed for commercial people moving. The Nissan e-NV200 Concept is a zero-emissions van marrying lessons learned from the Leaf. Alongside the Subaru BRZ sports coupe, the Japanese auto company brought the XV crossover vehicle to Canada. Selling in European markets, the Subaru XV has been invited to Toronto in order to gauge public appeal for the crossover utility vehicle in North America.

At Honda’s presentation, the Japanese-derived auto brand was candid on the worldwide difficulties experienced through the 2011 calendar year. However, Honda expressed ambition for the future as they unveiled the 2013 Honda Accord Concept touting the introduction of a direct injected V-TEC engine. Honda’s luxury brand Acura collaborated with an overall strong product showing in Toronto. The next generation Acura supercar became the same bona fide hit in Canada as it was in its Detroit premiere. Said to be forthcoming in three years, the production version of the NSX concept is being branded the exotic car that will once again establish the Acura brand as a premium performance name.

While the Acura NSX and ILX concept cars show off hybrid or electrified powertrains in the near future, the Eco-Drive Showcase at the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow collected green-conscious solutions for today. Displaying currently available vehicles offering hybrid, all electric or ultra-fuel efficient gasoline powerplants, the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Fisker Karma Ever are popular standouts in the exhibition. The Eco-Drive Showcase also promoted several electric vehicle-charging solutions for home as well as public settings from Ford, Schneider Electric and Eaton.

On the less promising side of the automotive industry spectrum, the absence of Swedish automaker Saab comes as no surprise. Delivering a speech reflecting a company ready rebound in the premium car industry, the Saab story for 2011 progressively worsened concluding with the company requiring creditor protection. There wasn’t a single Saab-branded vehicle found anywhere at 2012 Canadian International Autoshow.

With Saab bordering on an extinct European car brand, the Toronto show honoured the work of another once-popular former company. A collection of 30 vehicles identifying English car builder Triumph, the company’s celebrated sports car past (telegraphed through a wide variety of TR-6, TR-7, Sprite and Spitfires) was understandably dominate the exhibit. The oldest sports car was a pre-war car was the Triumph Gloria followed by the 1948 Triumph 2000 roadster. In a rare sight of post-war motoring, the Triumph 2000 featured a dickey seat (better known as a rumble seat in North America). Visitors to the Triumph Classics display will also be treated to a look back to the Triumph Standard 10 vehicles consisting of a four-door, pick-up truck and delivery wagon. A remarkably compelling gathering, the Triumph showcase also brought some rare examples of the British motor company’s work. Representing one of only 43 cars ever built, the Triumph Dové GTR4 was revealed in vintage race trim.

During the late stage of media day for the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow, I descended to the lower level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre where the Auto Exotica display housed some of the most lavish automotive creations. Possessing a price tag estimated around 1.7 million dollars, the Aston Martin One-77 was a showpiece with a Canadian connection. Multimatic of Canada developed and constructed the carbon fiber underbody of the Aston Martin One-77 supercar. With only 77 cars set to be built for the special Aston Martin, the specific vehicle shown in the Auto Exotica display was a pre-production engineering development car. The Ferrari FF, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 and a Pagani Zonda R were other pieces found within the exclusive assortment of vehicles at the show’s Auto Exotica exhibit.

Seeing the best examples of motoring machines new and old, my media day visit concluded ahead of the when the show opens for the public. It is a fortunate opportunity that I have the ability to share the pleasures of such a day. A full day’s worth of automotive-related activity, the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow is an effective cure for enthusiasts suffering from a withdraw of car-related passion.

Information source: American Honda Motors, Canadian International Auto Show, Nissan North America
Photo source: Chris Nagy

Originally sold in 1969 as a special dealer-sourced special request under Chevrolet’s COPO (Central Office Production Order) group, the Camaro ZL1 maintained a rather low-key appearance in the General Motors pony car line-up. Helped by the fact that only 69 examples of the 1969 Chevy Camaro were produced with the pricy ZL1 package, the mystique of this high-performance 427 cubic-inch big block car became a legend despite its limited numbers.

A performance line so powerful, General Motors chose to use the ZL1 name over the more recognized Z28 when identifying their 580 horsepower Chevrolet Camaro. While the 2012 return of the Chevy Camaro ZL1 arrives in coupe form, much like its first incarnation, the bowtie brand is already creating a more sizable wave prior to the latest announcement regarding the super pony car. Even ahead of the coupe’s early 2012 arrival to customers. Chevrolet is blowing the roof off the Camaro ZL1 starting in the 2013 model year with a drop top convertible.

Making its first public showing in California’s sunny, convertible-loving climate of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible presents the unique attributes of the upcoming performance car with the open-air rush of the daily breeze. The unique ZL1 front-end treatment and hood adorn the convertible version as space is made for the LSA 6.2 liter V-8 engine. For the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible, all 580 SAE Certified horses provided on the coupe model will usher the rear wheels. To emerge in the 2013 model year as Chevrolet’s most powerful production ragtop, the Camaro ZL1 Convertible will exceed the momentum of the open-air Corvette Grand Sport.

Having recently introduced the Camaro Convertible to the wider line of Chevrolet’s pony car stable, the ZL1 version will receive the appropriate engineering adjustments for the ZL1 to go topless without compromise. Additional structural support within the windshield including hydroformed tubing is installed to preserve the lasting convertible shape. Cross bracing under the hood between suspension towers, transmission support as well as underside reinforcements insure the 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible is rigid and maintains a quiet ride.

Crossing over with the LSA V-8 engine, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s standard Performance Traction Management system will also be found on the convertible. Allowing for driver-adjusted handling for street and track optimized performances, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible will offer magnetic ride, launch control and electronic stability technology working in concert.

Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show starting November 18th, many will be awaiting the first opportunity of taking the 580-horsepower 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible to the streets. As a drop top performance machine, Chevrolet already touts the upcoming Camaro ZL1 Convertible as a fighter against other more expensive open-air sports cars. Said to retain much of the sport handling of the coupe model, the nature of the 2013 convertible will be evident when the Camaro ZL1 arrives last year.

Information source: General Motors

Photo source: General Motors, Lee Anderson for Chevrolet

Featuring an exciting product line-up, the flow of Cadillac’s creative juices (taking on the texture and taste of fine Nappa valley wine in the case of a luxury company) is fuelling the production of three new vehicles. Rubberstamping the full-size XTS and compact ATS for production early this month, a third assembly line product was unveiled this week. Based on the insatiable Cadillac Converj concept car, the General Motors luxury carmaker declared a planned entrance into the plug-in hybrid vehicle market with the ELR sport coupe. As past Cadillac concept cars are being transformed into extravagant production reality, the General Motors luxury brand’s latest design study presented at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concour d’Elegance gains some extra clout.

A four-seat convertible show car, the Cadillac Ciel concept car premieres at the ultra-exclusive California golf and country club as a profuse expression of luxury embracing the Golden State. Covered with a charmingly regal Cabernet paint finish, the Ciel is a grand touring vehicle concept merging comfort with a high-class driving experience.

Named the Ciel (the French translation to the word Sky), the pronunciation of the Cadillac concept is expelled as ‘C-L’. An amusing name for the fact the General Motors luxury brand reuses a name once worn by a roadster from the auto corporation’s former Saturn division, premium car rival Mercedes-Benz could probably be heard voicing some other colourful words realizing Cadillac’s choice for concept car naming.

The Cadillac Ciel concept is accomplished with a long, elegantly sculpted appearance playing on classic and modern exterior styling traits. Featuring horizontally directed LED headlights and taillights, the overall appearance of the Cadillac Ciel beckons remembrance of the mid-1960s Eldorado convertibles. On the other hand, a big front Cadillac grille and the smooth side texture of the Ciel radiates design characteristics shown on the XTS concept sedan. The super large 22-inch aluminum wheels and carbon-ceramic brake rotors insures a strong expression of 21st century technology.

Realized as an all-wheel drive hybrid vehicle with lithium-ion battery storage, the main power for the Cadillac Ciel comes from a potent twin-turbocharged V-6 powerplant. Projected to produce 425 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque, the Ciel concept’s 3.6 liter, direct-injected six-cylinder gasoline engine could be close to production. Speculation regarding the upcoming XTS has implicated a twin-turbo V-6 powerplant as an equipment option.

Residing on a wheelbase measuring 125 inches, the Ciel interior is presented as spacious luxury. With rear doors swinging backwards to open, the Cadillac Ciel cabin opens up for a grand entrance thanks also to the absence of a B-pillar frame. Unmistakable luxury is echoed throughout the four-passenger accommodations with Italian Olive wood, nickel plating and aluminum decorating the Ciel’s interior quarters. Unique design touches inspired by California are carefully inserted into the Cadillac Ciel concept’s cabin including pullout blankets for passengers and compartments designed for holding weather-worshiping items such as sunglasses or sunscreen. Cordless inductive charging and ambient lighting brings the technological culture of California to the passengers of the Cadillac Ciel.

More than a just a delightfully pompous occasions for the past day history to be celebrated in an outdoor country club, the Pebble Beach Concour d’Elegance has rapidly morphed into an event demonstrating relevance for modern motoring luxury. Presented in the California sun, the Cadillac Ciel may not have the momentum to reach production car attitude. Cadillac’s latest experiences with convertibles have resulted in the less than successful Allante and the forgettable XLR. The Ciel’s concept production could truly depend on a wish upon a star.

Information and photo source: General Motors

I posed the question to my Facebook friends the other day: “If we judged a date by their car (but I know we don’t, it’s really personality) what would you look at first? Make/model? (If so what tops the list?) Cleanliness? Age? Color? Height? Speed? What get’s a girl going over her main squeezes car?” I thought this would be a relevant topic, but I was quickly educated by my friends.

Many of them sighted that maintenance was among the top of the desirable qualities car list. No lady wants to get into a BMW that won’t carry her past the end of the block. Next, was the make/model of the car, followed by the speed potential of the ride. I have not found any woman that looks for practicality in a car, at least not my friends.

Sadly, however, the misnomer is present that women-drivers want 4-door automatics that can handle lots of luggage and passengers in every stage of their lives. This may be true for some with families as they begin to grow, but there is no need to assume that every woman needs or even wants a minivan. Maybe most women don’t realize there is more to life than minivans and SUV’s when babies come along. Women represent 51% of the car purchasing decision power in a relationship, so we are a force to be reckoned with.

An article from AutoGuide.com said that a study examining women car purchases in 2010 discovered that women favored practicality and fuel-efficiency over looks and speed. The study showed that 47.9% of women purchased Mini‘s. Now, I don’t know if the people studying the sales or the lady writing the article has never been in a Mini, but practical is not the first thing I think of, it’s speed, agility, and agressivness. Think Charlize Theron in The Italian Job.

The first Mini’s took the industry by surprise in 1959 with a sub-compact capable of carrying 4- adults comfortably and not sacrifice power or handling, although in the early days many younger consumers would see how many people could actually fit into the spacious interior. Designer Alec Issigonis moved the wheels to the edges of the body and turned the engine sideways creating a cockpit that was more spacious than some of the more popular cars of the day. In 1961 British racing legend John Cooper took one of the Mini’s and created the Mini Cooper 997, a rally car for the history books. By 1977 the Mini had garnered over 4 million sales world wide, but was forced out of the US due to strict emissions regulations. Good thing for us ladies though, the Mini was revamped in the 90′s and in 2002 reemerged in the American market. The Mini was awarded 2003 Car of the Year and sells almost 2 million units a year.

With six body styles to fit that practicality assumption, the Mini’s range in horsepower starts at 121hp for the base Cooper, then up to 181hp for the Cooper-S, and tops out at 208hp for the John Cooper Works. That means that with the stock 1.6L, 4-cylinder power plant 47.9% of cost conscious women went from 0-60 in 8.4 seconds if they chose the moderately priced $20,000 MSRP entry model. I doubt many women would start at the base model though, we are a bit stylish when we pick things, so I believe many moms, such as myself, would fall for the John Cooper convertible. At a mere $35,000 MSRP we can carry the old man, two rug rats and all their soccer gear with the top down at a top speed of 146mph, because everyone knows we are always late for something. The 208hp, twin-scrolled turbocharged engine can get the grocery getter from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds and not break a sweat. Now that’s using your practicle head ladies.

If the convertible isn’t your style, they offer The Clubman. This 4-door (2 full size front doors, 1 mini back door, and full opening cargo doors) Mini boasts a minimum of 9.2 cubic feet of storage with the back seats up and a whopping 32.8 cubic feet with them down, while holding the traditional bulldog stance that keeps the exterior at only 6’3” wide and just under 13′ long. Still not big enough (like most thing in our lives)? Then upgrade to the 5-door Countryman, at 13.48 feet it holds up to 41.3 cubic feet of our stuff, which is really everyone else’s stuff, but we get to haul it around. We won’t mind because every Mini model is quick, fashionable, and what else… oh yeah, practical, fuel-efficient, and cost effective, all the things a girl looks for in her car.

Looks like Fifth Gear (a knock off of a knock off of a knock off of a TV show where a bunch of guys (in this case, twee, pasty Brits) hang around and talk about cars) got their paws on a pre-release version of the upcoming, re-born, old-school (but still wonderful looking) Morgan Three Wheeler (aka Trike, as they were called back long ago). There’s not much news, other than a video of aforesaid Brit-guy hooning around a bit, but it does give me a perfect excuse to talk about these things some more.

I’m starting to worry that these preposterous looking little “cars” might be usurping the place in my heart currently occupied by the great Lotus 7. That place being, of course, the place where the lightest weight, most minimalist sports cars can be found. A place for rides like the Seven and the Ariel Atom, and, now that they will soon be available for anyone with ~$40K and the lack/excess of brain cells, the Moggy Trike.

The other day I was emailing back and forth about the Morgan Three Wheeler with two friends of mine. One is an ex band mate and son of a WW II fighter pilot, the other is a great left-handed guitarist, security engineer and listened pilot (both fixed wing and helicopter). All three of us have serious lust for the Three Wheeler (although, sadly, the chopper pilot friend said that the Morgan people told him he was too tall to fit, at 6 foot 6 inches). It was in the context of discussing both sportscars and planes in the same conversation that I started looking around.

To wit, here’s the specs for the Morgan:

Weight: 500kg (Est.)
Power: 100bhp (at wheel) (Est.)
Top Speed: 115mph (Est.)
0-60 : 4.5 seconds (Est.)
Engine: 1800cc ‘V twin’
Gearbox: 5 speed + reverse

And here are the specs for a Fokker Dr.1 Tri-plane

General characteristics
Length: 5.77 m (18 ft 11 in)
Empty weight: 406 kg (895 lb)
Loaded weight: 586 kg (1,292 lb)
Powerplant: 1 ? Oberursel Ur.II 9-cylinder rotary engine, 82 kW (110 hp)
Performance
Maximum speed: 185 km/h at sea level (115 mph at sea level)
Range: 300 km (185 mi)

Armament
2 ? 7.92 mm (.312 in) “Spandau” lMG 08 machine guns

Not all that different, are they? Okay, sure, the Morgan does not come with twin Spandaus, even as an option (more’s the pity) but other than that, pretty close. Hell, they both even have radial engines, sort of.

We all seemed to take these similarities as big plusses, rather than minuses. We also shared the opinion that there would be no point at all in owning just a single Three Wheeler. Either you convince a bunch of friends to buy them along with you, or you better buy at least two for yourself. Given that you can fit two of these into a single lane (allowing for shouted conversations over changes in routes etc.), let alone that having a friend to go out with on an early morning sortie on the way to breakfast is just too wonderful a thought to pass up.

Morgan should really have a line of accessories like goggles and lapboards to hold maps and such, now that I think about it.

And the more that I think about it, the more that being able to add the Morgan Three Wheeler into the ultra-minimalist sportscar club makes a sort of sense, continuity wise. With the whole idea of lightness being everything can be applied to all three cars, the Morgan Three Wheeler, the Lotus 7 and the Ariel Atom, but they all got at that approach with a what-was-then-current mindset.

The Morgan was just, “Make it light, make it light, make it light – Oh, and throw in a bike engine and lose one of the wheels, that way we can skirt the auto-regs.” The Seven was, “Make it light, make it a full car – engine in front driving the rear wheels – but sell it as a kit (so we can skirt some of the regs) and let’s even make paint an option.” And the Atom was, “Make it light, but the better layout is mid-engined, so that’s where the plant goes. Oh, and let’s drop the body panels wherever we can.”

Maybe a gearhead collector of means should have all three?

Source: Autoblog

Through the early months of 2011, the latest and best visions of the second century of the automobile were displayed inside stadiums or convention centers in North America. Within the climate-control environments where the only threatening element is the oil through human contact on vehicle surfaces, cars and trucks have little trouble looking presentable through the shine of strong fluorescent lighting. However, seeing an automobile so properly exhibited inside is certainly a case of seeing a creature out of its natural habitat. Advertised as the largest outdoor auto show in North American, the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show opened this past Friday bringing vehicles from 17 car brands to the grounds of a Barrie, Ontario college campus.

For myself (a car enthusiast), relishing to make valuable use of every moment at a grand exhibit for the complex but harmonious automobile. For only $7 Canadian, my entry into the 2011 edition of the auto show (an event I have attended every year since 1997) was granted on a perfect warm, sunny day. Rescheduled from its long-held fall date to a June event coinciding with the bloom occurring in nature, the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show where my senses were rewarded by a wide assortment of marvellous, new automobiles. This year’s Georgian College Auto Show featured vehicles included many of the new products already seen through the prior indoor auto show circuit. The Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius v and the Chevrolet Camaro convertible were a few showcase cars presented in low-key manner to great effect.

Avid readers of Automoblog.net would already have a clue about the Georgian College Auto Show after my coverage last fall. For new visitors, this outdoor Canadian auto show is a family-friendly weekend event that also serves a purpose in educating the newest crop of automotive sales and marketing professionals. Like every year, I’ve had an opportunity to share the company of people who embody knowledge and drive (a perfect characteristic to possess for the auto industry). I had nothing but pleasant experiences from people who are not simply taught how to sell a potential buyer a car they cannot afford with loan and lease structures. They were personable, friendly and often helped me acquire some great images. At the Chrysler tent, one brand representative did inform me he has been constantly accommodating requests of dropping and raising the hood on a Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. I spent roughly five minutes alone with the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 gripping the steering wheel seated in the two-tone leather. I imagine one secret to selling an item is simply allowing the consumer to generate his or her own desire to a critical mass. As like every auto show I visit, I leave wanting so many automobiles.

While I saw cars like the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto this past February, the Georgian College exhibition of vehicles gave me a chance to absorb the automotive beauty without a rush. Even though I attended the Toronto show on a Media Day limited to mostly other media outlets, I feel myself having my respect and passion for the newest car unveiling getting conflicted by a near predatorily instincts. Please don’t get me confused, I have absolutely no distaste for my media colleagues (in fact I wish to enjoy more fluid interaction with through as I continue my automotive coverage), Media Day’s meaning becomes slanted to getting the first pictures in a rather static display. Through an automotive press source The Garage Blog, it was reported at the New York Auto Show that a Media Day turned ugly when reporters arguing over a computer station turned into a physical brawl. Maybe it is the fresh air or the removal of the blah of winter that preserves the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show as a large but polite gathering.

A reward to my senses, I’ve found the sensation of touch was most relished on this day. Opening the doors of so many of the vehicles such as the MINI Countryman and Lincoln MKS, the feel of my hand around the contoured door handles gave an introductory tactile experience to each car. Once inside, a more unusual sensations came as I sat in the driver seat of the new Nissan Quest minivan (or should that is called a macro-minivan?). As I back into the driver’s seat, the supporting comfort reminded me of a living room chair. Nissan calls the seating inside of the Quest as ‘low-fatigue’.

In a conversely unique sensation as I divert myself from the Nissan Quest minivan, a Scion tC presented another refreshing comfort feel. Fitted with special Scion leather seating (almost a $2,000 option on the Canadian tC model, the model at the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show had the assuring solace of a luxury car. This feeling inside the sport compact car was more than I would have expected from an under $25,000 vehicle. However, the unexpected is one of the things that make these auto shows compelling.

Though some of the surprises presented at the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show included the appearance of sharply coloured Audi R8 Spyder and two classic DeLoreans, there was also the astounding absence in one of the luxury car exhibits. While BMW display featured a high-performance M3 coupe, the tent of German brand rival Mercedes-Benz AMG line-up. Even the brand ambassador admitted some disappointment that Mercedes-Benz did not send any AMG models to the Georgian College Auto Show. Instead, the showcase of the Mercedes-Benz tent was a charming white E350 coupe.

Though the 2011 Georgian College Auto Show does not present the automotive pageantry and theatrics found in major cities such as Paris, Geneva or Detroit, this gathering of four-wheeled (and those two-wheeled creations) is a site where the spirit of motoring is meant for the people at the show. Motivated by a future career or simply the desire to reconnect with a love for automobiles, the Georgian College Auto Show again is united in the fostering of such a great human creation.

Photo credit: Chris Nagy

Good auto companies stride to insure their workforce is staffed with car lovers. Admiring the present day creations of motorized vehicles, employees with an interest in automobiles will also be faithful to the spirit and history of a powerful market brand. German automaker BMW is foremost aware of the company existing today after a shaky entrance into the auto industry in 1928. Originally building vehicles based on a licensing deal from British company Austin, BMW quickly developed their own range of vehicles that included a sports roadster.

Developed in 1936, the BMW 328 roadster became the German company’s first source of recognition. A stellar performer capable of speed up to 93 miles per hour, the BMW 328 sports car also kicked off a proud motorsport heritage. In 1938, a BMW 328 roadster competed and won the prestigious but also very dangerous Mille Miglia race in Italy. Built to commemorate the 75th year anniversary since the milestone BMW 328 entered production, the world-topping premium auto company has brought that vehicle to life again through a modern-day interpretation called the BMW 328 Hommage.

A tribute show car, the BMW 328 Hommage is more than a simple replication of the 1930s sports car. BMW engineers and designers exercised 21st century conventions on recreating the spirit of the race car that won the 1938 Mille Miglia. Considerably lower profile look than the original roadster, the 328 Hommage concept basic lines romances the current Z4 production car. The round LED headlamps and two-piece large diameter light alloy wheels complete a modern exterior presentation. Largely just a dream material in 1930s vehicle construction, carbon-reinforced polymers is extensively used by the current BMW engineers in the composition of the 328 Hommage roadster. The absence of door and passenger entry doors is another weight-saving design aspect that actually works well to the retro roadster look. As a whole, the BMW 328 Hommage structured with composite materials exhibits only 780 kilograms (1719 pounds) of total weight.

Inside the BMW 328 Hommage show car is one of the most bare-basic interior designs a two-seat roadster can feature. Warmly coloured in two-tone black and dark beige touched with a healthy use of aluminum trim, the 328 Hommage practices the same lightweight, open-air look as the original BMW design inspiration. Instead of a lavish in-car entertainment and technology assortment, the BMW 328 Hommage’s uses two Apple iPhones. Portable yet function, the iPhones serve as both stopwatches and GPS navigation located on the passenger/co-pilot side of the 328 Hommage’s dash.

A three-liter inline six-cylinder engine rests behind the trademark BMW double kidney grille. Though detailed performance specifications for the engine or the BMW 328 Hommage was left to the imagination, the powerplant seems similar to the production-based BMW engine producing between 230 to 255 horsepower in the 2011 Z4 and 3 Series models. Since the BMW 328 Hommage is just a little bit more than half the weight of a BMW 3 Series coupe, this show vehicle would certainly deliver serious acceleration.

A precursor to auto racing success with the BMW 2002, BMW M3 and later the 24-Hour of Le Mans overall-winning BMW V-12 LMR prototype sports car, the 1938 BMW 328 achievement is asserted as pivotal by the CEO of BMW Group Classic department Karl Bäumer. “They created an icon, which is considered a milestone in the history of the automobile.” Retelling the story of the Mille Miglia victor with modern technology, BMW establishes a theme that transcends time.

Information and photo source: BMW Group

According to Motor Authority, and many others, the upcoming Mini Speedster (or is that the Roadster?) is going to have a manually operated soft top. This, if true, and all sources are pointing to spy photos such as the one shown here to bolster their claims, breaks with the current convention of all convertible tops being power operated these days.

There are a bunch of questions this brings up, but the most salient to me is, is this a good thing?

I just happen to own a convertible with a manual top. In addition to that, I live in an area of the world that has, at best, iffy weather. There are more than a few times that I have considered the efficacy of the latest Miata (okay, MX-5) with its power retractable hardtop (or PRHT as Mazda refers to it). It only adds 70 pounds to the all up weight of the car, and, at the touch of a button, got from fully retracted, to all they way up in a scant 22 seconds. Or, if you think about it, as much time as you spend sitting at a red light when it starts to rain.

So why not have that on every convertible made, and why not have a power retractable hardtop on the upcoming Mini Speedster (or Roadster)?

The ‘why not’ end of this question is a simple one-word answer: weight. Weight, as we all know, is the enemy of performance. And weight, even seemingly small amounts of it come across as being a big penalty in a small car like a Mini. Yes, the current Mini tips the scales at 2600 pounds (give or take) which is about a thousand pounds more than the original, but in today’s world, that’s not very much.

So ‘why’? Well of course you get a performance advantage. Less weight equals better performance. And having a manual top versus a power folding top keeps what weight you are carrying around in the car down low. You also save on complexity. Power tops are neat and convenient and all that, but they are complex pieces of kit. Lots of hinges and panels and wiring and cabling and other pieces of substructure that have to be aligned just so to function properly. And function properly not only means getting the top up and down, but also sealing out the weather when the thing is up. No, I’ve never lived with power top personally (although an uncle did have a Ford Skyliner), but you don’t have to be Nikola Tesla to figure out that if something goes wrong, a power top is going to be a real pain in the ass and the wallet when something goes wrong.

Also, having a manual top puts you, the driver, in much more personal contact with your car. Having a manual top instead of a power one is sort of like washing your car yourself, versus running it through a car wash. Every time you drop the top or raise it, you get direct, hands on experience with how your car is doing. Not only will you be paying a lot of attention to the top itself, you will also notice things around it – dents, dings and stuff along those lines. Plus, it also get you up off of you lazy American ass and gets you some (if only a little) exercise.

There are a lot of plusses to Mini going with a manual top for this upcoming model. Now, whether Mini should be even making this model is another question entirely. You know, brand dilution, spreading your company too thin and all that, but those are questions for another time.

Source: Motor Authority